Space Jam: A New Legacy is available for Lebron/Looney Tunes fans to enjoy in theaters and through streaming. As you might imagine, a major motion picture starring an athlete with minimal acting experience and coaching is not exactly the most enthralling form of entertainment. Soon after its release, Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 32% on the TOMATOMETER. That’s bad. But I think it’s important to remind the general viewing public; IT’S A KID’S MOVIE.
That being said, it’s a pretty lazy kid’s movie.
Rather than creating a meaningful plot with empathetic undertones to prop up a flimsy script, the latest edition just runs the original version back with some new characters. I can only imagine the Zoomers (Generation Z) watching this movie didn’t take time to notice. And how could they? Product placement is splattered on across the screen in almost every shot.
Whether it’s a pair of Beats by Dre headphones or a Nissan Murano (Mike?), there are flashes of brand names mixed into every scene, assuring that an impression will be left on the children and their Millennial parents walking out of the theater (or living room).
I wasn’t expecting Space Jam: A New Legacy to emote some ethereal meaning, but I was hoping it would retain a light and fun tone throughout (I watched the movie). I haven’t watched a kid’s movie in quite some time and figured since I’m an expecting parent, and should get familiar with them again.
If this is what I have to look forward to for the next 13 years, I may want off this ride.